A BBC spokesperson for the show has confirmed that Rita will be leaving ‘Eastenders’.

They reveal: “Having joined the show in 2007, Rita immediately won the hearts of the audience in the role of Roxy Mitchell and between her and Samantha Womack they created one of the most iconic duos EastEnders has ever seen.

“Alongside Samantha, Rita was recently offered to take part in the same big storyline that will see the Mitchell sisters depart Walford, but we will not be releasing any further details at this time. We wish Rita all the best for the future.”

BBC

Rita has been playing Roxy for nine years

That’s all we’re getting in terms of plot spoilers for the months ahead, but it seems the pair won’t be going quietly.

During her time on the soap, Samantha Womack was involved in a number of huge storylines, including the controversial cot death plot, which saw her baby son James die.

Ronnie then swapped her baby with Kat and Alfie’s son, and the actress later spoke out about how difficult it was to film.

She then left the soap after reportedly telling a friend that the storyline had given her “four weeks of living hell”, and later returned in 2013.

EastEnders: Where Are They Now?

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Jo Joyner

Played: Tanya Branning 2006-2010
What. A. Woman. Jo's character Tanya went to hell and back as Max's long-suffering wife, but the upsides were there, and Jo scooped loads of awards, and even more fans.
Jo's back in the Square for the soap's 30th anniversary, but in 2014, she was busy starring in the lead role of the comedy 'Trying Again'.
She's also popped up on the 'Loose Women' panel a number of times.